Leaders in Israel criticized potential sanctions that are expected to be imposed by the U.S. as early as this week against an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) military battalion accused of violating human rights back in 2022….CONTINUE READING
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken could announce sanctions against IDF battalion “Netzah Yehuda” within days, marking the first time the U.S. will have placed sanctions on military units operated by Israel. If Blinken follows through with the sanctions, it could further strain relationships between the allies, which have already become tense as Israel continues its war in Gaza.
U.S. officials have not identified the sanctioned unit, though Israeli leaders and local media identified it as Netzah Yehuda, a battalion established nearly 25 years ago.
Israeli officials have condemned the expected sanctions, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said he would oppose them.
Israeli opposition leaders
Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid and Israeli Minister of Defense Benny Gantz react at the Israeli parliament during a new government sworn in discussion at the Israeli parliament on December 29, 2022 in Jerusalem, Israel. (Amir Levy/Getty Images)
The Associated Press reported that Benny Gantz, a member of Israel’s War Cabinet, issued a statement saying he spoke with Blinken on Sunday and told him the decision is a “mistake.” Gantz added that sanctions would hurt the country’s legitimacy during a time of war.
The wire service also learned from two U.S. officials familiar with the sanctions that the announcement could come as early as Monday.
The officials reportedly said five units were investigated, and of the five, four acted to remedy violations they were accused of committing.
On Friday, the U.S. imposed sanctions on an ally of Israel’s national security minister and two entities that raised money for Israeli men who allegedly committed settler violence. The new sanctions came in addition to others placed on five settlers and two unauthorized outposts earlier this year.
Friday’s sanctions will reportedly freeze U.S. assets held by those targeted, while also barring American forces from dealing with them.
Ajapareporter.com: Fox News Digital’s Andrea Vacchiano and The Associated Press contributed to this report.